The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1887-06-03
A TEST OF

The following incident is SO touching
that it should be read in every household
in the country. 1t develops the true, ac-
erring mortal, making his first step in
crime, might be redeemed by the exercise
of this sublime trait in the character of
the kind hearted Friend.
William Slavery, an eminent preacher
among the Friends, was a tanner by trade,
and was known by all "as one who walked
humbly with his God" One night a
quantity of hides were stolen from his tan
merry, and he had reason to believe that the
thief was a quarrelsome, drunken neighbor
whom | shall call John Smith. The next
week the following advertisement appeared
in the country newspaper:
"Whoever stole a quantity of hides on
the fifth of this month is hereby informed
that the owner has a sincere wish to be his
friend. If poverty tempted him to this
false step, the owner will keep the whole
transaction secret, and will gladly put him
in the way of obtaining money by means
more likely to bring him peace of mind"
This singular advertisement attracted
considerable attention: but the culprit
alone knew who made this kind offer.
When he read it his heart melted within
him, and he was filled with sorrow for
what he had done. A few nights alter
wards, as the tanners family was about
retiring to rest, they heard a timid knock,
and when the door was opened there stood
John Smith, with a load of hides on his
shoulder. Without looking up he said,
~ nave brought these back, Mr.. Slavery;
where shall | put them? ?"
"Wait till | can get a lantern, and | will
90 to the barn with thee" he replied,
''then perhaps thou wilt come in and tell
me how this happened. We will see what
can be done for thee
AS soon as they were gone out, his wife
prepared some hot coffee, and placed some
pies and meat on the table. When they
returned from the barn she said: "Neigl-
Dor Smith. thought some hot supper
would be good for thee
He turned his back towards her and did
not speak. After leaning against the fire.
place in silence a few moments he said in
a choked voice: sit is the first time | ever
stole anything, and have felt very bad
about it. | am sure I didn't once think
that | should ever come to what | am.
Bus l took to drinking and then to quar-
reling. Since l began to go down hill ev-
erybody gives me a kick. Iou are the
first man that has ever offered me a help
ing hand. My wife is sickly and my child
rem are starving. You have sent them
many a meal. God bless you! but yet
stole the hides. But | tell you the truth
when | say it is the first time | was ever a
thief"
"Let it be the last time, my friend, re-
Piled William Savery. s'Thc secret lies still
between ourselves. Thou art still young, and
it is in thy power to make up for lost time.
Promise me that thou will not drink any
intoxicating liqnor for q year, and | will
employ thee tomorrow on good wages.
The little boy can pick up stones. But eat
a bit now, and drink some hot coffee; per-
haps it will keep thee from craving any
thing stronger tonight. Doubtless thou
wilt find it hard to abstain at first; but
keer up a brave heart for the sake of thy
wife and children, and it will soon become
easy. When thou hast need OF coffee, tell
Mary and she will give 1t thee
The poor fellow tried to eat and drink,
but the food seemed to choke him. After
vainly trying to compose his feelings he
bowed his head on the table and wept like a
child. After awhile he ate and drank, andhis
host parted with him for the night with the
friendly words; CRY to do well, John,
and thou wilt always find a friend in me.
John entered into his employ the next day
and remained with him many years-a So
Der, honest and steady man. The secret
of the theft was kept between them; but
after Johns death William Savery some
times told the story, 10 prove that evil
might be overcome with good.